TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — A group in Pinellas County wants to give away thousands of household items to hurricane victims.
It's the St. Nicholas Philoptochos Community Give Back. The women's auxiliary club, St. Nicholas Philoptochos, organized the event.
They usually have a rummage sale each year, but organizers decided to switch gears after hurricanes Helene and Milton. Volunteers said there are too many people who are hurting after losing everything.
"We need to help everyone," said volunteer Maria Rigas. "We need to just be there for whoever comes and asks for assistance. People are broken and we need to help, so if it's a hug, if it's things, it just doesn't matter."
They started giving away items on Monday. But volunteers were a bit disappointed to see a room full of donations with very few shoppers, especially when they know there's a great need.
"We were sad yesterday because we got about five families in here," said Rigas. "And we need more families."
Rigas knows first-hand the toll that the hurricanes have taken on families. She had some flooding in her home, and her family business suffered even more damage. Rigas said some of her neighbors lost nearly everything.
Rigas recommended the give back as a way to give people a bit of peace. Other volunteers agreed.
"If we're able to help, that's a blessing in itself to be able to help other people," said volunteer Sylvia Joanow.
The St. Nicholas Philoptochos Community Give Back will continue until Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the St. Nicholas Community Center in Tarpon Springs.
